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Get right to the point with your writing center!

Wednesday, August 8

Does setting up a writing center give you writer's block? Fear not, a
writing center is an excellent place to show your creativity and style.
If you feel like you're lacking in those two areas these days, check
out our writing center picks. A space for young authors can be big or
small, but make sure it's a place that's filled with supplies, ideas,
and opportunities for students to build and strengthen their skills.

a. Organize all of your writing supplies so they are at your student's fingertips. This wooden caddy keeps everything right where you need it to be. (Lakeshore Learning)

b. Colorful composition notebooks are a must for student expression. Allow your students some creative freedom by letting them chose their own pattern of journal. It's their space to write, let them have a say. (Wal-mart)

c. Colorful index cards. I love using these for sight words, they can be color coded for level (office depot)

d. Thin markers are great for peer editing. Have your students trace capitals in green, punctuation in red. This helps to teach the start and stop of a sentence (Wal-mart)

e. Plastic spacemaker containers help keep your students supplies organized and separate. They store great on a shelf or in a cubby. (Wal-mart)

g. Writing prompt journals are a helpful tool in teaching students to write on topic using specific vocabulary. Help improve their writing techniques and skills by using these every morning. (Lakeshore Learning)

h. Colorful post it notes are great to use when making comments on a students journal. I find it helps them to not feel like you are judging their writing. A post it is temporary and can be removed as the writing improves or is corrected, I also like using the colorful arrows to draw attention to awesome writing. Pointing out juicy adjective words, punctuation or impressive vocabulary, ( Big Lots)

i. Highlighters can help students recognize the parts of a word, or isolate certain letters or sounds. When I write with my students I like to focus on a specific skill. (Wal-mart)

j. Dry erase boards are great for young writers, they can practice writing sight words, letter formation. They are also great for grammar games, and quick reviews. Of course you have to include some colorful dry erase markers. (Big Lots)

Keep your writing time fun and supportive. You want to encourage young writers so they will give you their best. I like using music in the background to help calm and inspire. I also love using thematic word walls to get those creative juices flowing.

a. A bin of clipboards are great for a writing center. They allow
budding artist to join together in a comfortable space to read and peer
edit. (Target)

b. Put your students' writing portfolios in a special place that they can add to and share from throughout the year. (Target)
c. Highlighters and pens are a must when teaching children to locate
topic sentences, juicy adjectives, and more. (Office Depot)
d. Who
doesn't love Post-it notes? Our class uses them while editing our peers
to jot "3 praises" and "3 work-ons". That way the author can keep up
with the things they're doing well, and have at least three things to
work on improving in their writing piece. (Office Depot)
e. Pick up inexpensive zipper pouches at those back to school sales.
Each student keeps one in their writing folder to store away interesting
pictures, news articles, or ideas that they might have a chance to
write about throughout the year. (Target)
f. Re-purpose aluminum cans with wrapping or scrapbook paper. A
stylish way to store pens, pencils, and highlighters in your writing
center.
g. This magnetic board is a great way to communicate ideas
with your students at a center. You could post writing tips,
interesting prompt ideas, open ended questions, and learning goals for
the activity. (Container Store)
h. Journals make the list for the second time this week! Journaling is
an essential part of learning to be a good writer. (Staples)